Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This whole chapter is extremely familiar, to the point that I could just about quote it verbatim, but again, it contains deep truths that call for frequent meditation. In all things, value is in the eye of the beholder. Gold and diamonds wouldn’t be expensive if people didn’t want them. Scarcity also plays into that. If the sand on the seashore were diamonds, we probably wouldn’t use diamonds for engagement rings! (Actually, now that we can make diamonds, the price has gone down, particularly for industrial use, and gem companies are worried about that.) The point is, what one person might value highly, another person might not value at all. That’s why Jesus spoke of treasure, since each individual’s definition is somewhat different. Another way to say what Jesus says here is that our heart defines what our treasure is. Verse 33 of this chapter famously says that we are to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” What we seek first is indeed our treasure. Another way to say that is, what makes you deeply happy? When walking with God and serving Him is what satisfies us most, then we are indeed “laying up treasure in heaven,” because in heaven, that will be everything!

This is something I’ve grown into over the years. In a sense, that makes me more childlike. A little child might value nothing more than their favorite blanket, and stacks of money are meaningless to them. In much the same way, physical things are losing their attraction to me. Objects have value according to their utility, and the desire for “things” is greatly diminished. It is interesting that it is at this point in my life that we have been notified that a relative remembered us in their will, for a sizeable amount. I’ve never had to deal with such funds before, and it seems like a lot of trouble! However, I’m to be a good steward, seeking God for how He wants those funds used, because my treasure is indeed in heaven, and I’m very happy about that. I have learned that “things” don’t make me happy for long, but the love of my wife and family, genetic and spiritual, is a huge blessing. Above all, I desire the peace and security of knowing that I’m in the center of God’s plans for me, and that is something unrelated to my bank account.

Father, thank You for this timely reminder. I do ask Your guidance and timing for everything, including when we go to enjoy our true treasure with You in heaven, so that Your purposes may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!